Which organelle transports chemicals between cells and within cells?

• A. Golgi Bodies
• B. Vacuole
• C. Endoplasmic Reticulum
• D. Lysosome

Answer: (C)

Materials move through the cell along a network that acts like an internal transportation system: the endoplasmic reticulum. This extensive membrane network carries newly made proteins and lipids from the site of synthesis to other parts of the cell. The rough ER, studded with ribosomes, begins this work by forming proteins and then packaging them into vesicles that travel to the Golgi apparatus. There, these molecules are modified and sorted for delivery to final destinations, which can include export outside the cell. So, the ER serves as the main internal transport pathway that also feeds materials toward the cell membrane for intercellular communication, making it the best answer for transporting chemicals both within the cell and toward other cells.